A DEATH by drink driving is the reason why one man is crossing countries in a 400-mile run. Robert Henderson plans to run from Scotland to Stevenage to raise awareness of the way his brother Shaun died. Shaun was killed a year ago on Six Hills Way, Steven

A DEATH by drink driving is the reason why one man is crossing countries in a 400-mile run.

Robert Henderson plans to run from Scotland to Stevenage to raise awareness of the way his brother Shaun died.

Shaun was killed a year ago on Six Hills Way, Stevenage, when a van driver who had been drinking ploughed into him and knocked him off his scooter.

The father-of-four died from his injuries on January 3 last year.

Shaun was raised in Edinburgh, but moved away 12 years ago. He was working as a chef at Fairlands Valley Park at the time he died.

The 43-year-old had two children from previous relationships and his partner at the time, Angie Archer, was left to bring up a one and two-year-old on her own.

Driver of the van, Daniel Ellis, 28, had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. He was banned from driving for four years and sentenced to two years in prison last September.

Social worker Robert, who lives in Edinburgh, will cover the 400 miles by doing 20 miles a day.

The 46-year-old, who has taken part in 13 marathons, 30 half marathons and the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race most years, said: "I thought a pilgrimage from Shaun's home in Edinburgh to his new home in Stevenage would be something pretty big. I train regularly anyway so I'll just have to up my training.

"The main reason for doing this is to heighten awareness in the country because I would hate to see any other parents, children, brothers or sisters get news from the police saying a family member was killed by a drunk driver."

Robert will wear a T-shirt publicising his message and the family have written to the Government calling for the drink-drive limit to be lowered.

He said: "I think Shaun would be saying, 'You're mental Robert - but I love you for it'."

Robert is asking for sponsorship from organisations, places to stay along the way or even for people to stand along the route and cheer him on. He can be contacted at Robert.henderson@castlebrae.edin.sch.uk or his mobile on 07809700724.